The Bay of Bengal is a treasure trove, possessing unique features, hiding secret phenomena, diverse marine environments and much more. Described below are some of its fascinating facts.

Bay of Bengal lies in the north eastern part of the Indian Ocean. It is in fact a triangular shaped salt-water sea. The bay is surrounded by the Malay Peninsula on the east, and by the Indian subcontinent on the west. The northern section of the bay borders the Bengal region, comprising the Indian state of West Bengal and the country of Bangladesh. As it surrounds the Bengal region, the bay has derived the name Bay of Bengal. The southern tips margin the island country of Sri Lanka, and the Indian Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Many large rivers including Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Ganga and Brahmaputra flow into it.

The earth has 64 large marine ecosystems and the Bay of Bengal is one of them. One of the most productive natural ecosystems on the planet, it contains expansive forest cover, waterways, coral reefs, estuaries, deltas and serves as a breeding ground for numerous animal and fish species.

Native to the waters is the Kerilia Jerdonii or the sea snake which is also a part of Hindu Mythology. Many wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves are located along its shores housing endangered species like the Olive ridley and leatherback turtles. A beautiful seashell called Glory of Bengal Cone can be found on the Bay of Bengal beaches, the most famous being the Digha Beach in West Bengal. This water body contributes to the economy of India by serving as a trade route, housing seaports and having a number of beaches. Bay of Bengal also has islands, which have lent beauty to it.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the seven union territories of India. This island comprising an area of about 8,249 square kilometers is further divided into several other islands. Some of them are mentioned below.

Rutland Island Rutland Island belongs to the South Andaman administrative district. This island spreads over an area of about 121.5 square kilometers. It has a length of about 18 km, width of about 11 km and coastline of about 69 km. This island is utilized for training open water divers. Jahaji Beach, Bada Balu, Manner Strait, Photo Nallah and Dani Nallah are places of tourist interest on this island.

North Sentinel Island North Sentinel Island is a part of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It occupies an area of about 47.5 square kilometers. It has a length of about 7.8 km, width of about 7.0 km and coastline of about 31.6 km. The North Sentinel Island is forested, except the reefs.

Katchal Island Katchal Island is one of the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It occupies an area of about 146.5 square kilometers. The geographical terrain of this island is characterized by hills of calcareous sandstone and marble slates, forest with a plethora of pythons, black monkeys, pigs and beaches. Bay of Bengal